Sadie Mae Alford Pridgen
April 13, 1928 ~ March 7, 2017
ROCKY MOUNT - Sadie Mae Alford Pridgen, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. Born in Franklin County, NC on April 13, 1928, she was the daughter of the late L. S. (Jake) Alford and Katie Elizabeth (Chick) Alford. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William Owen Pridgen, Sr.
Sadie was born into poverty, her childhood spent during the Great Depression and World War II. Her parents were poor sharecroppers. During very hard times the charity of Christian neighbors provided food for the family. As a child, Sadie learned to sew her school clothes from patterns and to cook using a wood stove. She picked cotton to support the family.
Sadie was blessed with a keen mind and a drive to improve her life condition. She enrolled in the Park View Hospital Nursing Program, attending classes while working in the hospital to pay for her education. She was pinned as a Registered Nurse in 1949. Sadie worked fulltime at Park View Hospital and later as a nurse for Dr. Julian Brantley, (OB/GYN) from 1949 until her retirement in 1986. She devoted her life to her beloved husband, William, and to her only child, Billy. Sadie taught Billy how to cook, sew, fear God, think analytically, and to accept responsibility for your own life choices. Sadie believed that no one was “entitled” to receive anything in life - all was earned. She discovered very recently that her most precious gift could not be earned - she received that gift when she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.
Sadie leaves behind to cherish her memory, son, Billy Pridgen and wife, Donna; brother, L. E. (Lawrence) Alford and wife, Lucille; beloved nieces, Quinn, Cheryl, and Marcie; good friends and good neighbors; and special friends, Geneva and Mary Avent.
A private funeral service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Lit a candle in memory of Sadie Mae Alford Pridgen
Deepest sympathy. Mrs. Dr. Ben Gold
Dear Billy and Donna, we were deeply saddened by the death of Aunt Sadie. I was very moved by the obituary and I was very proud of her achievements in life. She was a wonderful person and I am thankful for the time I spent with you all, when my mother was sick. I will always treasure the memories I have of both your mom and dad.Anything we can do for you please let us know. Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Woody and Kaye.
Billy, Back when you were in our Scout Troop your parents were some of the first people I met when I moved to Rocky Mount. I thought so much of your Mom and Dad. They were just good folks. I know they were so proud of you and they sure had good reason to be. You made them proud. Sonny Foster
I want to send my deepest sympathy to the family of Sadie Mae Alford Pridgen The bible tells us we can gain comfort from God, even during times of sorrow. We pray to our heavenly father for help to cope with the sorrow felt from the death of a loved one. By prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. Philippians 46 May you find comfort by relying on our heavenly father and learning more about the blessings of God’s kingdom. Local ministry volunteer